UNRWA: Over 625,000 children in Gaza prevented from the right to education since last October

The Right to Education for over 625,000 children in Gaza, including 300,000 UNRWA students, has been completely disrupted since 7 October 2023 according to report published by UNRWA in June 2024.

The agency added that Since the war began, up to 1.7 million people (over 75 per cent of the population) have been displaced across the Gaza Strip. To date, children reportedly make around one-third of those killed during the war and thousands more have been reportedly injured. As of 8 June, 322 incidents have impacted 132 UNRWA schools. There is no safe space in Gaza for children to learn and play.

It asserted that no child in Gaza has known life outside of violence given the 17-year long land, air, and sea blockade and repeated rounds of conflict.

Prior to the last October, UNRWA operated 288 schools and two Vocational Training Centres (VTCs), with over 10,000 education staff, including more than 300 school counsellors. Since the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip began, up to 1.7 million people (over 75 per cent of the population) have been displaced across the  Strip. To date, children reportedly make around one-third of those killed during the war and thousands more have been reportedly injured. As of 8 June, 322 incidents have impacted 132 UNRWA schools.

UNRWA called for an immediate ceasefire to protect children and bring them back to learning, as per the basic human right to life and to education.

Basma Qaddour